As Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) continues to expand her national presence through speaking engagements and political events, growing discontent is brewing in her home district, where rising crime has left many residents feeling neglected.
While Ocasio-Cortez has been headlining the “Fight the Oligarchy” tour with Senator Bernie Sanders and building momentum among progressive activists, some constituents in her Bronx and Queens district say her focus on national politics has come at the cost of local priorities.
According to a report by The New York Post, major crimes in her district have increased dramatically since she took office in 2019—by more than 70%. In Queens’ 110th Precinct, which includes the Roosevelt Avenue corridor known for human trafficking and illegal sex work, crime has surged by 105%, the highest increase among all New York City precincts during that time. The neighboring 115th Precinct has also experienced an 85% spike in major crimes, which include murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and car theft.
Residents like Elmhurst local Guadelupe Alvarez expressed deep frustration over the conditions. A former supporter of Ocasio-Cortez, Alvarez said she no longer feels safe or optimistic about her future in the area.
“She’s not doing anything for the neighborhood. She doesn’t live here, and it shows,” Alvarez told The Post. “I used to dream of building a life in this community, but now I just want to get out. It’s heartbreaking.”
Alvarez recounted attempting to raise her concerns directly with Ocasio-Cortez during a town hall meeting last year but said she felt dismissed and unheard.
Critics argue that while the congresswoman is making headlines on the national stage, issues like crime, housing instability, and community safety are worsening in her district without sufficient intervention or leadership.
The congresswoman has yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised in The Post‘s report, but the growing criticism could prove challenging if she decides to seek higher office or faces a primary challenge in 2026.